The first Afghan professional pianist, who has just graduated from the music institute, says she aspires to perform classical music from Afghanistan on the international stage.

Muram Abdullah has studied at Afghanistan National Institute of Music and has performed at many concerts in 10 countries, including Europe and the US.

She was five years old when she started playing the piano. She joined the music institute after she returned with her family from Egypt.

“I plan to continue my profession because it provides me a big opportunity as I am the first woman to study in this profession for 12 years at school,” she said.

She has been part of the Zohra Orchestra for the last five years, which has given her the chance to perform on an international stage.

“Our concerts abroad helped foreigners gain knowledge about Afghanistan’s music. Some of them said is quite different in terms of its rhythm,” Muram Abdullah said.

“Today we can say with pride that Muram is among the pianists who can perform on the biggest stages ... She can also play European melodies,” the head of the music institute, Ahmad Nasir Sarmast said.

Some of the music institute students are young women and girls who are on the track to become professional solo players of Western and Eastern music if the opportunity is not taken from them.

“It is natural that everyone should have their own rights. Also, women and girls have their own rights that should not be ignored,” said Anita Alemi, a Tambor player.

“We want the opportunities for other girls too so that they can learn music and achieve what they want,” said Shugoofa Khan, leader of Zohra Orchestra.